Sea Girt National Guard Training Center
Starting in 2007, Davey Resource Group conducted rare species monitoring and protection services and habitat management at the Sea Girt National Guard Training Center in New Jersey
Project Narrative:
Under two consecutive contracts between 2007 and 2013 with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (NJDMAVA), Davey Resource Group (DRG) conducted rare species monitoring and protection services and habitat management at the 160-acre National Guard Training Center (NGTC) in Sea Girt Borough, Monmouth County, NJ to implement the Facility’s Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP). DRG also prepared portions of the updated INRMP and NEPA Environmental Assessment (EA). NGTC onsite habitats include open water, littoral and beach habitats, primary and secondary dune, brackish and freshwater marsh wetlands, and maintained upland grassland habitats. The NGTC contains habitat for two Federally listed threatened species, piping plover and seabeach amaranth; six resident State-listed Threatened or Endangered species; and various migrant or foraging State-listed species. Onsite operations include shooting range usage, military and police exercise and training, and recreational use of the beach and athletic fields by police, military personnel and civilians.
Natural Habitat Improvement
Under a contract with the US Property and Fiscal Office, DRG was contracted in 2017 to design a Wetland and Coastal Habitat Enhancement Plan (WCHEP) in accordance with the NGTC’s INRMP; and to prepare and submit the subsequent, required applications for NJDEP and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) approvals. The purpose of the Plan is to improve the ecological integrity of onsite vegetation communities and wildlife habitat; and to provide access and educational opportunities for the visiting public. Proposed plan details included the removal of invasive plant species and vegetation management within a freshwater wetland and dune portion of the property; replanting of appropriate freshwater wetland plant species; and the installation of a public visitor-accessible boardwalk/walking path. The project also involved drainage improvements to an existing wetland/tidal ditch by removal of sediment and stabilization with rip-rap stone. These enhancements are designed to reduce erosion and runoff and to improve localized water quality.